Labour suspends Corbyn critic amid harassment claim

Labour MP John Woodcock, an arch-critic of Jeremy Corbyn, has been suspended from the party pending an "ongoing case".The reason for the suspension has not yet been confirmed but it comes after an allegation of sexual harassment over the weekend.Mr Woodcock has denied the claims, saying he "does not accept" them.The Sunday Mirror reported he was alleged to have sent inappropriate texts and emails to a former female staff member between 2014 and 2016.Responding to that report, Mr Woodcock said: "I was made aware in December last year that a complaint made against me was being referred to Labour's national constitutional committee as a potential breach of the party's policy on sexual harassment."I do not accept the charge but know the complaint must be thoroughly and fairly investigated."I have not yet been notified of any date for a hearing and was following the party's guidance that the process should remain confidential to reassure potential victims that they could make complaints without being exposed to unwelcome publicity."Therefore I do not intend to discuss details of the issue ahead of any hearing."A Labour Party spokeswoman said on Monday evening: "John Woodcock has been suspended from the Labour Party pending due process.More from LabourFormer Commons Speaker Michael Martin dies aged 72

"It would not be appropriate to comment further on an ongoing case."Mr Woodcock was first elected Labour MP for Barrow and Furness in 2010 and was shadow minister for transport between 2010 and 2013.news.sky.com

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